Deepwood Weald My life is like a Maury episode

Talisman’s heart leaped when Moonshadow said she would come to the mountain, then sank again when he saw the hurt in Kusuma’s eyes. He hung his pale head. He totally deserved to be called out for his behavior.

Before he answered her, she addressed Moonshadow, welcoming her. Now his heart lifted again, as did his head, though only momentarily. The coyote knew he’d fucked up. He was truly sorry and only hoped Kusuma would give him an opportunity to make things right.

Honestly? I don’t know how to explain it. I think… I was afraid you wanted more than I could give you. But I do want to be your friend, Talis said, enunciating the word carefully and holding her gaze. I know I haven’t been a good one. I dropped the ball. I know. Let me make it up to you. Please?

Although he still had some misgivings about her—there was something very childlike about her, which Talis simply didn’t know how to handle—he reached out a rusty paw and gently touched her elbow. If she allowed it, he would pull her into a hug, a physical reassurance of his word.

And just for the record, he said, looking at Moonshadow over Kusuma’s shoulder, I don’t expect you two to share a den or anything… unless you want to, of course! But I was thinking I could help set each of you up in your own cozy ulaq, maybe next door to one another if you don’t want to den together…

Was he getting ahead of himself? Possibly putting his foot in his mouth again? Talisman sucked in a breath and fell silent, drawing back to motion between the two women with a paw. Hopefully they could discuss it between themselves. Talisman’s only job was learning what they both needed and doing his damnedest to accommodate them.